Another black liberal elitist - this time, Attorney General Eric Holder - is telling Americans they aren't living up to his standards.

What's the problem this time? "[W]e, average Americans," Holder said at a recent Black History Month lecture, "simply do not talk enough with each other about race." Holder, who is black, calls America "a nation of cowards" on racial matters.

Excuse me, but aren't Holder's concerns a bit misplaced?

For a black man who just became the nation's top legal official in an administration headed by a black man, to project racist notions on the rest of America is irresponsible and cowardly.

If there is anything to talk about regarding race in the country, how about that nearly half of black children are missing their fathers? How about that, although blacks make up 12 percent of the overall nation, they account for almost 40 percent of the prison population (in 2005, as compiled by the Justice Department)?

If anyone is being a coward, it is Holder when he ignores how he can help cure these ills.

It is deeply hypocritical to lecture on racism while neglecting to lecture on choices and the natural consequences of ones' actions that may provide relief.

Did Holder ever think to share with the suffering masses what exactly catapulted him to his own success? One can bet it isn't because he opened up dialogues on race and racism everywhere he went, as he now preaches. More likely, he spent interviews articulating the skills he had to offer. He surely counted on his credentials and hard work rather than dwelt on his skin color.

It's also a safe bet that none of Holder's three children were born out of wedlock. And his physician wife is obviously not a high-school dropout. He also probably lacks a criminal record.

Did he, believing his race might work against him, work twice as hard? Did he choose friends who kept out of trouble?

Such good choices would have been heroic and noble to share with those afflicted by the blame-game syndrome now a leading culprit of failures in the black community.

As embarrassing as it is to be confronted with such problems in our culture and our failures as a community, it is a greater embarrassment for those of us who know the formula for black success and triumph to withhold the information that is pertinent and profound.

That truth is that, no matter what our race or shade, ideal choices and blame abandonment trumps the stale remnants of institutionalized racism.

This cowardice of one-sidedness was on display during Holder's Black History Month lecture. While we are just supposed to suck it up and take it, others who inch forward with a modern truth on race, achievement and opportunity are shut down as out of touch or sell-outs.

It is an embarrassment when Holder looks down on so many. Those at the bottom, after all, can benefit from his advice.

Holder is the first black Attorney General for the first black President of the best country on earth. Doesn't he understand the potential for many black and Latino children with fertile minds just like his who could one day follow his path if only they are inspired and encouraged?

It is an outrage and an injustice for someone such as Holder to essentially betray this confidence in the black community. Considering his great position and background, his willingness to play the blame game himself makes it more embarrassing to be black than the gangster mall thugs with their baggy pants and gold chains.

At least the thugs know exactly who they are.

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Lisa Fritsch is a member of the national advisory council for the Project 21 black leadership network and a writer and radio talk show host in Austin, Texas. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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